Kolkata airport gate blocked by Jessop union workers over centre's inaction on revival bill

Tension escalated near Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata on Wednesday as workers of the Jessop Company Employees Union staged a dramatic road blockade at Gate No. 1, paralysing traffic for hours. The protest turned aggressive, leading to heated exchanges between union supporters and frustrated passengers stuck in the chaos.

The agitation stemmed from the central government’s delay in approving a bill proposed by the West Bengal government for the acquisition and revival of the historically significant Jessop Company. Union leaders claimed that despite the state’s active interest in reviving the company, no green signal has come from the Centre, leaving hundreds of former employees in financial distress.

Founded in the 18th century, Jessop was once a pillar of India’s industrial prowess. Workers at the protest said their lives are now in limbo due to political inaction. The police and local administration intervened after several altercations broke out, eventually dispersing the crowd and restoring normalcy.

However, the union issued a strong warning, stating that if the central government continues to ignore the matter, the protest will intensify into a statewide agitation demanding the revival of Jessop and justice for its workers.